Truck camper - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ItsJustMe · 06-13-2017, 10:07 PM

Hello,
I bought my 1972 c20 4 or 5 years ago and planned on it being my forever truck.
My thoughts were to restore and keep it mech. Sound.
With that said I just bought a older truck camper a 13.5 foot truck camper from the same Era as my chevy. I didn't have the hold downs so I haven't picked it up yet.

The truck camper is weighing in at around 2500 pounds. Is my old truck capable?
How did they manage back in 1972?

**70cst** · 06-13-2017, 10:36 PM

Hey ItsJustMe ...

Just wanted to say

to the forums and

from Ohio.

Here is a bump for you - someone will have an answer for you

ItsJustMe · 06-13-2017, 10:48 PM

Hi, 70cst
Thanks

**68bowtie** · 06-13-2017, 10:50 PM

i don't know either but how about some pictures?

**FirstOwner69** · 06-13-2017, 10:58 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Can you clarify the length? Camper length is generally expressed as floor length. That would be an extremely long camper if that's the way you measured it. 11' would, of course, extend 3' beyond the end of an 8' bed and is typically the longest I'd recommend. I bought my truck in 1969 to carry an 11' cab-over camper. It could be a handful. Your gross vehicle weight rating is either 7000# or 7500# depending on the rear suspension. Be sure your total weight including passengers and gear does not exceed your GVWR. If it doesn't, you are probably OK if your truck is in top condition. Be sure your bed is securely anchored to the frame. There are only 8 bolts. So, be sure the floor, bolts and frame mounts are in great shape. Rear leaf springs would provide a more stable platform than coils but yours is likely coils.

I recommend tie downs that are frame mounted.

Here's a picture of mine taken in 1970 carrying the heaviest load it ever hauled.

Also, what tires are you running? How old?

El Dorado Jim · 06-13-2017, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsJustMe

Hello,
I bought my 1972 c20 4 or 5 years ago and planned on it being my forever truck.
My thoughts were to restore and keep it mech. Sound.
With that said I just bought a older truck camper a 13.5 foot truck camper from the same Era as my chevy. I didn't have the hold downs so I haven't picked it up yet.

The truck camper is weighing in at around 2500 pounds. Is my old truck capable?
How did they manage back in 1972?

dont do it if you have coil springs, they suck for carrying a big load and can actually be dangerous

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 12:21 AM

Nice to meet you all,
Yes it is 11 feet floor space.
The truck has leaf springs.
Gvwr is 7500.
As soon as I can figure out how to post some pictures I will definitely do so.
I'm wondering if I replace the shocks with air shocks do you think that would work ?
The truck rides super stiff right now but I have never really put a load on it.

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 12:31 AM

Tires are 70 sieries on 18 inch rims perreli 4 or 5 years old. I only drive it 20 miles a week so lots of tread left.
Should I upgrade to ?
What type of tire rating should I be looking for.?
Thanks

El Dorado Jim · 06-14-2017, 12:57 AM

you need to have your truck weighed , then you know how much weight your truck can carry....7500 is the most you can weigh.....with the camper, camper special trucks have a gvwr of over 8000 #atleast in the 74 camper special I have

**FirstOwner69** · 06-14-2017, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsJustMe

Tires are 70 sieries on 18 inch rims perreli 4 or 5 years old. I only drive it 20 miles a week so lots of tread left.
Should I upgrade to ?
What type of tire rating should I be looking for.?
Thanks

You'll want load range E tires with high maximum load rating. Probably with an aspect ratio of 85. Your 18" wheels may not be appropriate.

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 01:13 AM

Not sure I understand about the 18 inch wheels.
Clearance wiess ?
16.5 was standard I think so I'm over by 1.5 inchs now I'm worried I will measure rear clearance right now and get back to you in a minute.
Also your truck and camper was beautiful fisrtowner69

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 01:25 AM

I have about 6 inches of clearance to top of fender well.
I was looking at the picture that you posted and your set up looks like the same style camper truck. I noticed the truck was sitting level. It gives me hope.

**FirstOwner69** · 06-14-2017, 01:31 AM

What size are your tires.... XXX/70-18? Look at the other sidewall markings. What is the load range? What is the maximum load? Are they truck tires? Are your wheels steel or aluminum? Wheels are also generally load rated (maybe pressure too). Do you know what yours are?

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 01:33 AM

Hi
El Dorado Jim
Yeah I looked on door jam 7500 total gvwr.
Going by registration truck weighs 4100.
I probably should scale it just to make sure.
Thanks

**FirstOwner69** · 06-14-2017, 01:36 AM

The factory tires in the picture were 8.75X16.5, load range D. The rears were worn out at 15,000 miles. Of course they were bias ply, but the fronts lasted a lot longer. I replaced the rears with 12X16.5. That made a huge difference wear wise as well as increasing stability.

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 01:39 AM

Tires are
P255
R70
18
112 H.M.S
Rims not sure but are off rims
The truck is factory no lifts no drops

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 01:40 AM

Off road rims

**FirstOwner69** · 06-14-2017, 01:44 AM

I bet your truck is probably closer to 4600 or 4700#, especially if it has A/C. I weighed mine once without the bike on the front but packed for a camping trip. It was 7140# with my 125# wife onboard. The camper does not have a bathroom.

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 01:58 AM

It has a new 350 mild cam rebuilt 350 tranny fresh allighnment.and no a/c
Kinda of concerned about transmission with all that weight.
Also planing to reinstall clutch fan it has electric fan now.

**FirstOwner69** · 06-14-2017, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsJustMe

Tires are
P255
R70
18
112 H.M.S
Rims not sure but are off rims
The truck is factory no lifts no drops

It appears those tires are rated at 2484# per tire which I think is a little on the light side. I'd be shooting for something around 3000#.

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 02:01 AM

What size engine did yours have.
Not sure but I think these were or at least some custom ordered and you could opt. For big blocks.?

**FirstOwner69** · 06-14-2017, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsJustMe

What size engine did yours have.
Not sure but I think these were or at least some custom ordered and you could opt. For big blocks.?

Mine's a 350 with a TH400. We lived in southern California, visited every state in the west with it and it handled the camper fine from a performance perspective, even on steep mountain grades. In fact, performance wise, it was better than the '86 crew cab dually with a 454 that took over camper duty. The dually was a far better choice stability wise though. If I have a choice, I'll always use a dually for these big campers. Here's a picture I took last summer of the camper. Can't beat the Duramax.

ItsJustMe · 06-14-2017, 02:31 AM

Wow
Very nice
My wife and I were just saying in a year or two maybe we could get a dually.
But for now still trying to figure out if this is going to work.
After seeing your old set up I think it will be fine.

wbc409 · 06-14-2017, 03:51 AM

You should get truck tires. You posted your tire size and there was a P at the start. Those are passenger tires. The tires you want should have an LT in the tire size and load range E.

Ken B · 06-14-2017, 06:44 AM

If you don't have a transmission cooler make sure that you install one...

06-13-2017, 10:07 PM	#1
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Truck camper Hello, I bought my 1972 c20 4 or 5 years ago and planned on it being my forever truck. My thoughts were to restore and keep it mech. Sound. With that said I just bought a older truck camper a 13.5 foot truck camper from the same Era as my chevy. I didn't have the hold downs so I haven't picked it up yet. The truck camper is weighing in at around 2500 pounds. Is my old truck capable? How did they manage back in 1972?

06-13-2017, 10:36 PM	#2
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: Truck camper Hey ItsJustMe ... Just wanted to say to the forums and from Ohio. Here is a bump for you - someone will have an answer for you __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

06-13-2017, 10:48 PM	#3
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Hi, 70cst Thanks

06-13-2017, 10:50 PM	#4
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,340	Re: Truck camper i don't know either but how about some pictures? __________________ I live in California, but identify as a Texan "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well" Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh)

06-13-2017, 10:58 PM	#5
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,839	Re: Truck camper Welcome to the forum! Can you clarify the length? Camper length is generally expressed as floor length. That would be an extremely long camper if that's the way you measured it. 11' would, of course, extend 3' beyond the end of an 8' bed and is typically the longest I'd recommend. I bought my truck in 1969 to carry an 11' cab-over camper. It could be a handful. Your gross vehicle weight rating is either 7000# or 7500# depending on the rear suspension. Be sure your total weight including passengers and gear does not exceed your GVWR. If it doesn't, you are probably OK if your truck is in top condition. Be sure your bed is securely anchored to the frame. There are only 8 bolts. So, be sure the floor, bolts and frame mounts are in great shape. Rear leaf springs would provide a more stable platform than coils but yours is likely coils. I recommend tie downs that are frame mounted. Here's a picture of mine taken in 1970 carrying the heaviest load it ever hauled. Also, what tires are you running? How old? Attached Images Last edited by FirstOwner69; 06-14-2017 at 12:24 AM.

06-14-2017, 12:21 AM	#7
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Nice to meet you all, Yes it is 11 feet floor space. The truck has leaf springs. Gvwr is 7500. As soon as I can figure out how to post some pictures I will definitely do so. I'm wondering if I replace the shocks with air shocks do you think that would work ? The truck rides super stiff right now but I have never really put a load on it.

06-14-2017, 12:31 AM	#8
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Tires are 70 sieries on 18 inch rims perreli 4 or 5 years old. I only drive it 20 miles a week so lots of tread left. Should I upgrade to ? What type of tire rating should I be looking for.? Thanks

06-14-2017, 12:57 AM	#9
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: Truck camper you need to have your truck weighed , then you know how much weight your truck can carry....7500 is the most you can weigh.....with the camper, camper special trucks have a gvwr of over 8000 #atleast in the 74 camper special I have

06-14-2017, 01:13 AM	#11
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Not sure I understand about the 18 inch wheels. Clearance wiess ? 16.5 was standard I think so I'm over by 1.5 inchs now I'm worried I will measure rear clearance right now and get back to you in a minute. Also your truck and camper was beautiful fisrtowner69

06-14-2017, 01:25 AM	#12
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper I have about 6 inches of clearance to top of fender well. I was looking at the picture that you posted and your set up looks like the same style camper truck. I noticed the truck was sitting level. It gives me hope.

06-14-2017, 01:31 AM	#13
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,839	Re: Truck camper What size are your tires.... XXX/70-18? Look at the other sidewall markings. What is the load range? What is the maximum load? Are they truck tires? Are your wheels steel or aluminum? Wheels are also generally load rated (maybe pressure too). Do you know what yours are?

06-14-2017, 01:33 AM	#14
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Hi El Dorado Jim Yeah I looked on door jam 7500 total gvwr. Going by registration truck weighs 4100. I probably should scale it just to make sure. Thanks

06-14-2017, 01:36 AM	#15
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,839	Re: Truck camper The factory tires in the picture were 8.75X16.5, load range D. The rears were worn out at 15,000 miles. Of course they were bias ply, but the fronts lasted a lot longer. I replaced the rears with 12X16.5. That made a huge difference wear wise as well as increasing stability.

06-14-2017, 01:39 AM	#16
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Tires are P255 R70 18 112 H.M.S Rims not sure but are off rims The truck is factory no lifts no drops

06-14-2017, 01:40 AM	#17
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Off road rims



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06-14-2017, 01:44 AM	#18
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,839	Re: Truck camper I bet your truck is probably closer to 4600 or 4700#, especially if it has A/C. I weighed mine once without the bike on the front but packed for a camping trip. It was 7140# with my 125# wife onboard. The camper does not have a bathroom.

06-14-2017, 01:58 AM	#19
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper It has a new 350 mild cam rebuilt 350 tranny fresh allighnment.and no a/c Kinda of concerned about transmission with all that weight. Also planing to reinstall clutch fan it has electric fan now.

06-14-2017, 02:01 AM	#21
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper What size engine did yours have. Not sure but I think these were or at least some custom ordered and you could opt. For big blocks.?

06-14-2017, 02:31 AM	#23
ItsJustMe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: California Posts: 16	Re: Truck camper Wow Very nice My wife and I were just saying in a year or two maybe we could get a dually. But for now still trying to figure out if this is going to work. After seeing your old set up I think it will be fine.

06-14-2017, 03:51 AM	#24
wbc409 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: st cloud mn Posts: 163	Re: Truck camper You should get truck tires. You posted your tire size and there was a P at the start. Those are passenger tires. The tires you want should have an LT in the tire size and load range E.

06-14-2017, 06:44 AM	#25
Ken B Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: danbury, ct. Posts: 568	Re: Truck camper If you don't have a transmission cooler make sure that you install one...

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